Which hemodynamic parameter is most appropriate for the nurse to monitor to determine the effectiveness of medications given to a patient to reduce left ventricular afterload?
- A. Mean arterial pressure (MAP)
- B. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
- C. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)
- D. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Systemic vascular resistance (SVR). SVR reflects the resistance the heart must overcome to pump blood into the systemic circulation. By monitoring SVR, the nurse can assess the effectiveness of medications aimed at reducing left ventricular afterload, as these medications work by dilating blood vessels and reducing resistance. An effective reduction in afterload would lead to a decrease in SVR.
A: Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is an indicator of perfusion pressure but may not directly reflect changes in afterload.
C: Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is specific to the pulmonary circulation and not directly related to left ventricular afterload.
D: Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is a measure of left ventricular preload and filling pressures, not afterload.
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A 75-year-old patient, who suffered a massive stroke 3 weeks ago, has been unresponsive and
- A. The primary health care provider has approached the spouse regarding placement of a perma nent feeding tube. The spouse states that the patient never wanted to be kept alive by tub es and personally didn’t want what was being done. After holding a family conference with th e spouse, the medical team concurs and the feeding tube is not placed. What term would be used to describe this situation?
- B. Euthanasia
- C. Palliative care
- D. Withdrawal of life support
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: Step 1: The scenario describes a decision made based on the patient's previously expressed wishes.
Step 2: The decision aligns with the principle of respecting patient autonomy.
Step 3: The term that best describes this situation is "Advance Directive."
Summary:
- A: Incorrect, as it involves actively ending the patient's life without their consent.
- B: Incorrect, as euthanasia involves intentionally causing death to relieve suffering.
- C: Incorrect, as palliative care focuses on improving quality of life for the patient.
- D: Incorrect, as withdrawal of life support involves discontinuing medical interventions, not honoring the patient's wishes.
The patient has elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels with a normal BUN/creatinine ratio. These levels most likely indicate
- A. increased nitrogen intake.
- B. acute kidney injury, such as acute tubular necrosis (ATN).
- C. hypovolemia.
- D. fluid resuscitation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The elevated BUN and creatinine levels with a normal BUN/creatinine ratio indicate impaired kidney function. This pattern is commonly seen in acute kidney injury, such as acute tubular necrosis (ATN). In ATN, there is damage to the renal tubules leading to decreased excretion of waste products, resulting in elevated BUN and creatinine levels. The normal BUN/creatinine ratio suggests that the impairment is due to renal tubular dysfunction rather than prerenal causes like hypovolemia or postrenal causes like urinary obstruction. Increased nitrogen intake would not produce this specific pattern of results. Fluid resuscitation would likely result in dilution of BUN and creatinine levels, leading to lower values.
The nurse educator is evaluating the care that a new registered nurse (RN) provides to a patient receiving mechanical ventilation. Which action by the new RN indicates the need for more education?
- A. The RN increases the FIO2 to 100% before suctioning.
- B. The RN secures a bite block in place using adhesive tape.
- C. The RN asks for assistance to reposition the endotracheal tube.
- D. The RN positions the patient with the head of the bed at 10 degrees.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because positioning the patient with the head of the bed at 10 degrees is incorrect for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation. The optimal position for such patients is to elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees to prevent aspiration and improve oxygenation. Option A is incorrect as increasing FIO2 before suctioning is appropriate to ensure adequate oxygenation. Option B is incorrect as securing a bite block in place using adhesive tape is a standard practice to prevent the patient from biting on the endotracheal tube. Option C is incorrect as asking for assistance to reposition the endotracheal tube shows the RN is aware of the importance of proper placement to ensure effective ventilation.
Which of the following devices is best suited to deliver 65 % oxygen to a patient who is spontaneously breathing?
- A. Face mask with non-rebreathing reservoir
- B. Low-flow nasal cannula
- C. Simple face mask
- D. Venturi mask
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Venturi mask is the best choice for delivering 65% oxygen because it allows precise oxygen concentration delivery through adjustable venturi valves. This device ensures consistent oxygen levels even during variations in patient breathing patterns. Face mask with non-rebreathing reservoir (A) delivers higher oxygen concentrations, low-flow nasal cannula (B) is not suitable for precise oxygen delivery, and simple face mask (C) may not provide the desired oxygen concentration.
A patient is admitted to the hospital with multiple trauma aabnirdb .ceoxmte/tensst ive blood loss. The nurse assesses vital signs to be BP 80/50 mm Hg, heart rate 135 beats/min, respirations 36 breaths/min, cardiac output (CO) of 2 L/min, systemic vas cular resistance of 3000 dynes/sec/cm5, and a hematocrit of 20%. The nurse anticip ates administration of which the following therapies or medications?
- A. Blood transfusion
- B. Furosemide
- C. Dobutamine infusion
- D. Dopamine hydrochloride infusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dobutamine infusion. In this scenario, the patient is experiencing hypovolemic shock due to significant blood loss, resulting in low blood pressure, tachycardia, and low cardiac output. Dobutamine is a positive inotropic agent that increases cardiac contractility and output, helping to improve tissue perfusion.
Blood transfusion (A) is a common intervention for hypovolemic shock, but in this case, the patient's hematocrit is low, indicating dilutional anemia rather than acute blood loss, so addressing the cardiac output is more urgent. Furosemide (B) is a diuretic that would exacerbate the hypovolemia and worsen the patient's condition. Dopamine (D) is a vasopressor that primarily increases blood pressure, but in this case, the patient's low cardiac output is the main concern, making dobutamine a more appropriate choice.